North Yorkshire town is UK’s 2026 fish and chips winner

None other than Whitby has been crowned the ultimate winner by food and travel expert Big 7 Enjoy Travel, as the chippies here are said to be “top-notch”.

Think light and crispy batter, chunky, salty chips, bright green mushy peas and a blob of creamy tartar sauce or two.

The beloved coastal destination is known for the likes of the legendary Magpie Cafe, award-winning Trenchers, Hetty and Betty, and Riverside Fisheries – all of which continue to serve the freshest catch of the day.

Introducing its latest fish and chips guide, the publisher revealed: “Few foods are more quintessentially British or nostalgic than fish and chips.

“Deep-fried, golden battered fish accompanied by soft and fluffy thick cut fried potatoes – or chips – and served with lashings of salt and vinegar as well as a range of other condiments has been a staple of the British diet for around 150 years.

“While ‘chippies’ are often associated with the seaside, their popularity has spread throughout the country, and some of the best can be found miles from the seaside itself.

“In addition, some fish and chip shops operate as gourmet restaurants, offering high-quality fish and chips – a far cry from the cheap Friday night dinner wrapped in newspaper in the 1960s!”

Why is Whitby officially the UK’s best fish and chips town?

Big 7 Enjoy Travel commented: “The fish and chip shop capital of the UK is Whitby on the North Yorkshire coastline.

“Known around the world for its history – including its ties to Dracula, Captain James Cook and its whaling industry – Whitby is best known for its fish and chips.

“Maybe not quite, but the chippies here are top-notch.”

It continued: “While its most well-known spot is The Magpie, it’s Trenchers of Whitby that takes the accolades this year, winning the Restaurant of the Year at the recent Fry Awards in 2026.

“From their generous portions and locally-sourced fish, to local potatoes and modern seafood offerings, Trencher’s has been an iconic Whitby eatery since it opened its doors in 1980.

“With so many different chippies to choose from, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Whitby.

“If you want to experience fish and chips as they were meant to be enjoyed – in a traditional fishing town by the coast – then make sure to head to Whitby for your fix.”

Whitby’s newest title of “best fish and chips town” is quite fitting with Trenchers, located on New Quay Road near the picturesque harbour, taking home the Restaurant of the Year award in February.

Also this year, the chippy was visited by Marco Pierre White, who became the first British chef and youngest ever (at 33) to win three Michelin stars.

The restaurant posted on Facebook at the time, along with a picture of Marco smiling next to a member of staff: “We had the pleasure of welcoming Marco Pierre White to Trenchers of Whitby the other day.

“A real honour to host such a legendary name in British food.”

Meanwhile, Magpie Cafe, found near the pier, was most recently praised by former Saturday Kitchen host and North Yorkshire’s very own James Martin, who said it offers “the pinnacle” of fish and chips.

Speaking to Jenni Falconer on an episode of Routes, the travel-focused podcast from LNER, James said: “You have to have fish and chips, I think at the Magpie. You’ve got to have a large haddock, right?

“A large haddock, mushy peas, you have your lemon, your tartar sauce, you have your Sarson’s vinegar and you have your salt.”

James added: “…You sit there and the wind’s blowing and howling a gale, you sit there and you open up this pot of gold and there’s just this smell and as the steam comes up, it hits your nose.

“But as that steam hits your nose… then you’re in nirvana, heaven, you’re in the pinnacle of fish and chips.”

Elsewhere within Whitby, you can find Hetty and Betty, a restaurant that has mastered the craft of the British tradition but “with a twist” – a fish and chips afternoon tea.

Its website says: “Indulge in the best of British tradition with a twist here at Hetty & Betty.

“With a menu that blends the elegance of afternoon tea with the iconic flavours of Whitby.

“Our signature dish, the fish and chips afternoon tea is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.”

Where do you go for fish and chips in Whitby? Let us know your favourite spots in the comments below.